Nature Connection Radio

Author: Big Blend Radio Network

Its all about Nature, Wildlife, Science, and the Environment on Big Blend Radios NATURE CONNECTION Podcast. Hosts are Nancy J. Reid and Lisa D. Smith, mother-daughter travel team on the Love Your Parks Tour and publishers of Big Blend Magazines.
Be a guest on this podcast

Language: en

Genres: Earth Sciences, Nature, Science

Contact email: Get it

Feed URL: Get it

iTunes ID: Get it

Get all podcast data

Listen Now...

Breathing In the Awe: Music Inspired by America's National Parks
Episode 68
Thursday, 26 February, 2026

Discover how music and nature beautifully intersect in this inspiring episode of Big Blend Radio featuring composer and conductor Luke Diamond and conservation advocate and author Elaine A. Powers. Based in Tucson, Luke is developing "Breathing in the Awe," an ambitious collection of ten original choral works inspired by visits to U.S. national parks. Performed by the Tucson Masterworks Chorale, the project transforms the emotional power of America’s most iconic landscapes into moving musical experiences. In this conversation, Luke and Elaine discuss the creative process behind composing park-inspired music, the importance of community arts, and how music can help reconnect audiences—especially youth—with the natural world. From hiking trails and studying wildlife to crafting lyrics and orchestration, Luke shares how immersive park experiences shape each composition. 🎵 Upcoming Performances: • March 14, 2026 — Tucson Festival of Books, Tucson, AZ • April 25, 2026 — Catalina Foothills High School Auditorium, Tucson, AZ • April 26, 2026 — Valley Presbyterian Church, Green Valley, AZ ✨ The team is currently seeking sponsors and partners to support the project’s next phase — including a potential national tour, professional recordings, and globally accessible releases so choirs and audiences everywhere can experience this music. Learn more & support the project: * Tucson Masterworks Chorale: https://www.tucsonmasterworkschorale.org/ * Project page: https://www.tucsonmasterworkschorale.org/breathing-in-the-awe * Luke’s park videos: https://www.facebook.com/TucsonMasterworksChorale/videos * Author Elaine A. Powers: https://elaineapowers.com/

We also recommend:

The Compassion Initiative: Just Two Guys in Brisbane talking Compassion. www.thecompassioninitiative.com.au
The Compassion Initiative: Dr Stan Steindl and Dr James Kirby